DETROIT -- Calvin Johnson will not play in the Detroit Lions' preseason opener Saturday night against the Cleveland Browns, nor will the injured Ezekiel Ansah and TJ Jones.

But Eric Ebron will.

The tight end hasn't participated in a non-walk-through since Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury. But he was seen in warmup gear before the game, even taking a moment to chat with Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Ebron said he developed a friendship with Manziel during an all-star game when they were coming out of high school. And now the word is in he'll be available to make his pro debut alongside Mr. Football at Ford Field.

Johnson's absence, meantime, is not believed to be injury related. Detroit has given its star wideout a lot of veteran rest in camp, including two off days in the past week, plus the regularly scheduled off day Sunday.

He played only once in the preseason last year -- finishing with three catches against the Jets -- and went on to rank third in the league in receiving. So this isn't new territory for him, and seems like the sensible play, though the sold-out crowd might disagree.

The Lions are unveiling a new offense this year, and Johnson is the main attraction.

But Detroit has been committed to giving Johnson rest, hoping to avoid the constant nagging injuries that plagued him last season.

Johnson was on the field before the game, stretching and going through his usual ladder footwork drills.